Sir Harrison Birtwistle (1934-2022)

On the Sheer Threshold of the Night (1980)

madrigal for four solo voices and twelve-part choir

  • General information
    • Composition date: 1980
    • Duration: 15 mn
    • Publisher: Universal Edition
    • Commission: Hessischer Rundfunk, Frankfurt.
    • Libretto (details, author):

      Boethius, Stupet tergeminus novo, traduit du latin en anglais par Helen Waddell.

Detailed formation
  • soloists: solo soprano, solo contralto [ou contreténor] , solo tenor, solo bass voice
  • mixed choir(3 soprano, 3 contralto, 3 tenor, 3 bass voice)

Premiere information

  • Date: 10 May 1980
    Location:

    Allemagne, Hessischer Rundfunk Frankfurt am Main


    Performers:

    le chœur John Alldis, direction : John Alldis.